Business & Finance
Business and Finance
Business and Finance
Wed, August 4, 2010
Tue, August 3, 2010 New Survey Finds Saving for College is a Top Priority for Todaya?s Teens
OMAHA, Neb.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Respondents from an annual [ survey ] released by TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD) found more teens are saving for college in 2010 than one year ago. According to the survey, a majority of teens (66 percent) reported saving their money to pay for all or part of college or higher education programs, up from 62 percent of teens who reported the same in 2009.
"Ita™s discouraging that so many know so little about one of the most beneficial education savings vehicles available to them"
The survey also found that todaya™s teens are more focused on saving for college than previous generations. Significantly fewer adults (46 percent) surveyed said they saved for college when they were teenagers.
Additionally, todaya™s teens are more inclined to help with the education costs, as 22 percent reported they do not feel obligated to pay tuition, but in fact want to help, compared to just 16 percent of adults who reported feeling the same when they were teens.
aTodaya™s teens have witnessed what their families have endured during recent economic challenges, and they are much more aware of the importance of planning ahead,a said Stuart Rubinstein, managing director, investment products, TD AMERITRADE. aWe encourage parents to use this awareness as an opportunity to educate their children on how they can benefit from proactive financial planning.a
Despite the savings attitudes of teens, one major obstacle remains. According to the survey, 70 percent of todaya™s teens and 57 percent of adults have never heard of a 529 plan.
aIta™s discouraging that so many know so little about one of the most beneficial education savings vehicles available to them,a Rubinstein continued. aThere is much more progress to be made in terms of investor education about proper financial planning, and ita™s our goal to continue to educate investors about their options.a
Investors looking to learn more about education savings can visit TD AMERITRADEa™s college planning [ Web site ] to determine which of the following savings plans might be right for them:
The site also offers online college planning[ seminars ], [ tools and calculators ] for those looking to learn more about this increasingly important topic.
Before investing in the TD AMERITRADE 529 College Savings Plan, carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses involved. This and other information regarding the plan is included in the Enrollment Handbook (Issuera™s Official Statement), Participation Agreement and each prospectus on the underlying mutual funds, which may be obtained by calling 877-408-4644. Please read each prospectus, the Enrollment Handbook and Participation Agreement carefully prior to investing.Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investora™s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
You should be aware that other states may sponsor their own qualified tuition plans and may offer a state tax deduction or other benefits that are limited to residents who invest in that plan. You should consult with your financial, tax or other advisor about state and local tax benefits or limitations based on your specific situation. Favorable tax treatment by your state of residence should be one of many appropriately weighted factors you should consider in making an investment decision.
AMTD-G
Survey Methodology
These results are based on a survey conducted by Infogroup | ORC of Princeton, N.J., on behalf of TD AMERITRADE.Seven hundred seventy two (772) adults who are age 20 to 59 along with 363 teenagers 14-19 participated in a telephone survey conducted July 8-13, 2010.Survey participants across the country were asked to share their views on how the current economic environment has affected their lifestyle and outlook. The margin of error among the adults 20-59 in this survey is 4%; among the teenagers, the margin of error is 5%. This means that in 19 cases out of 20, survey results based on 772 respondents will differ by no more than 4 percentage points in either direction from what would have been obtained by seeking the opinions of all eligible U.S. adults who are 20 to 59 years of age. Similarly, the results of the survey among teenagers will differ by no more than 5 percentage points in either direction. Infogroup | ORC and TD AMERITRADE are separate, unaffiliated companies and are not responsible for each othera™s products and services.
About Infogroup | ORC
Infogroup | ORC is a leader in global market research with expertise in Information Technology and Telecommunications, Healthcare, Financial Services, Public Services and Consumer Behavior. For more information, visit [ www.opinionresearch.com ].
About TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation
TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD), through its brokerage subsidiaries,(1) combines innovative trading technology, easy-to-use-and-understand [ trading tools ], investment services, investor education and superior client service to create a market-leading financial services experience. Now home to the award-winning thinkorswim trading technology(2) and the Investools investor education program, TD AMERITRADE provides millions of retail investors, traders and independent registered investment advisors with the tools, service and support they need to help build confidence in todaya™s rapidly changing market environment. For more information and resources for journalists, please visit the [ TD AMERITRADE newsroom ] at [ www.amtd.com ].
(1) TDAMERITRADE, Inc., member FINRA ([ www.FINRA.org ]) /SIPC ([ www.SIPC.org ]), NFA ([ www.nfa.futures.org ]), TDAMERITRADE Clearing, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.
(2) thinkorswim, prior to joining TD AMERITRADE, earned 4.9 stars, the top score, in the category aTrading Technologya, and was rated #1 overall online broker in Barrona™s ranking of online brokers, 3/15/2010. thinkorswim was evaluated versus others in eight total categories, including trade experience, trading technology, usability, range of offerings, research amenities, portfolio analysis and reporting, customer service and education and costs. thinkorswim topped the list in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010 with the highest weighted-average score. Barrona™s is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Company © 2006a"2010.
